America West FlightFund (Pre-2005 US Airways merger) - Late Spring?? (The unofficial 'Latest scoop on the program merger' thread)

HP/US keeps telling us that the DM program will be rolled out in Late Spring 2006. If I'm remembering correctly (and someone please correct me if I'm wrong), the first official day of spring is around March 21 and the first official day of summer is around June 21. That being the case, somewhere between those two dates is when the new program will be rolled out. Since they've already told us it will be late spring, that cuts some of the guesswork out of it and we can assume it will be closer to June 21 than it will be to March 21. Anyone want to start some guesses on when the new program will be officially rolled out?

I'll start by going with June 1. Many Arizonans will argue that despite what the calendar may say, June 1 is definitely summer and not late spring, but I think Tempe is going take their time with this one.

I was told by US DM center that "late spring" was subject to move to "sometime later"! I think US/HP will be getting a few calls, as some like me who have made the requirements for gold--60+ segments since jan 1--and they can not upgrade my account to gold. DM rep said that due to the new program not being official, and the old program not official the program they are using either, i am stuck. It is so upsetting that due to US/HP not being able to put together a program, I am "stuck" in the middle of a management pickle! Hope it gets figured out soon or im headed elsewhere!

I've had an HP elite CSR tell me "most likely this fall" :confused:

There are many people "Screwed" by this. It seems if you made the 100 Segments last year by flying both US and HP what we were asked in September... you will not get your "earned" status until only a part of a year.

For example, you had two accounts and used DM for US and FF for HP.. and then add BA flights, *Alliance Flights.. and you could easily qualify for a higher level... but in US's wisdom, they decide not to do anything.

If it is going to be late, start linking the accounts now... and give the combined status to both your DM and FF acccount... then encourage people to use DM until merged... (or something like that). But if it keeps pushing it is going to piss alot of flyers.

Those that flew 100 segments on HP or US last year or those Platinums who fulfilled the requirements to maintain their Chairman's status are also being screwed. Since HP/US extended status until "late spring" or perhaps longer, all the folks who made status by flying the miles/segments are having to compete for upgrades with everyone who got their status extended, but did not fulfill the requirements. Just a little frustration of mine since I've missed a number of upgrades this year on the US side as a Chairman.

Just my thoughts, but I think US/HP did more HARM to their ff program by screwing people like this then if they would have waited until 07. I am not their beancounter, and I am sure some wonderful spreadsheet was produced that said they could save XXdollars in 06 if they did this. What they did not look at is that it is driving people away...and will continue to. Ive had 60-some segments already, with an additional 17 booked for the next 3 weeks. I am not asking for any special treatment (US did NOT status match CO from last year at all, they wont even CONSIDER status match until after the merger) but what I WOULD like is proper credit for what i DID FLY! Sorry to be ranting!

I can tell you the internal date we are shooting for is April 30th. That may change by 3 or 4 days (most likely earlier), but it will be done no later than 4/30 - guaranteed.

I can tell you the internal date we are shooting for is April 30th. That may change by 3 or 4 days (most likely earlier), but it will be done no later than 4/30 - guaranteed.

I hope you're right. That would be very good news! In the last three weeks, I'm 1 for 6 on upgrades as CE on US operated flights and I suspect this is related to the fact that there are a ton of CE/CP's out there that will lose their status when the new program is rolled out. I also suspect that CEs are not recognized the same as CP in the US system considering I haven't missed an upgrade on HP operated flights since making CE at the end of last year, but maybe I'm just a conspiracy theorist. At the very least, the integrated program will cut down on the "our Chairman vs. their Chairman" attitude that I keep getting from US GAs.

I can tell you the internal date we are shooting for is April 30th. That may change by 3 or 4 days (most likely earlier), but it will be done no later than 4/30 - guaranteed.

Will there be advance notice or will it just happen?

I can tell you the internal date we are shooting for is April 30th. That may change by 3 or 4 days (most likely earlier), but it will be done no later than 4/30 - guaranteed.

^ ^ Happy Days Are Here Again ^ ^

Ok.. I am happy if this is true!! VERY GOOD NEWS! I think this will go alot to stop the "Us vs Them" between the two airlines.. as far as they know we are all DM Prefereds.. and that is the way it should be....

Looking forward to it!!! :D

[snip... I think US/HP will be getting a few calls, as some like me who have made the requirements for gold--60+ segments since jan 1--and they can not upgrade my account to gold. ...snip[/QUOTE]

I received an email on Feb 24 letting me know that I requalified for Silver for the year. As I hit my 50K miles on a flight last night, I assume that I'm Gold. I guess if the system recognizes that I made Silver, it should recognize that I made Gold. I also guess that when I check my account on Monday, I'll see the miles posted and the new status (but I'm a US silver/gold and this was a UA flight...so there could be a lag).

Merging two systems and converting all the data is a pain. Then there are all the links with the reservation systems and partners.

I guess the sensible thing to do is for them to offer a manual merge option for people who feel they can benefit from the merge. Basically, just add up the segments/miles from the tally, change the status manually on both systems and maybe even transfer all the miles and close one account. I doubt this would impact a boatload of people.

I am actually one of the few who are benefitting from the delay :D Made gold on the Guest program last year but only silver based on the entire year's count.

Does anyone know when they will stop using SABRE and move everything to SHARES on the reservation side? On the FFP side, whose system will they use?

So, as an update to PhillyPhlyer40 and my own previous post, I checked my account this morning and I am now, officially, a Gold member with > 50K miles flown. So they do seem to be processing new statuses.

There are many people "Screwed" by this. It seems if you made the 100 Segments last year by flying both US and HP what we were asked in September... you will not get your "earned" status until only a part of a year.

For example, you had two accounts and used DM for US and FF for HP.. and then add BA flights, *Alliance Flights.. and you could easily qualify for a higher level... but in US's wisdom, they decide not to do anything.

If it is going to be late, start linking the accounts now... and give the combined status to both your DM and FF acccount... then encourage people to use DM until merged... (or something like that). But if it keeps pushing it is going to piss alot of flyers.+

There is a flip side to it, I did not travel much last year and will not keep my Chairman's status. In the meantime, I'm still reaping the benefits....

Anyone know if US/HP plan to drop people a level if they don't qualify (i.e. Chariman to PLT/GOLD; Gold - Siler), or do you go from Chairman to nothing?

+

There is a flip side to it, I did not travel much last year and will not keep my Chairman's status. In the meantime, I'm still reaping the benefits....

Anyone know if US/HP plan to drop people a level if they don't qualify (i.e. Chariman to PLT/GOLD; Gold - Siler), or do you go from Chairman to nothing?


Good question, US many years ago dropped me one level a year... so it was Chairman's to Gold to Silver..... but that was 1998, 1999, 2000... I am not sure what they will do now.. especially since HP is at the wheel.

So, as an update to PhillyPhlyer40 and my own previous post, I checked my account this morning and I am now, officially, a Gold member with > 50K miles flown. So they do seem to be processing new statuses.


I finally had ALL of the "bugs" worked out of my gold status. Funny part is, I am now told, via email and verbal that I will be getting the old 100% bonus for the rest of this year. This is really wacky! Oh well, I will have to wait until my a/c flights post!

Will there be advance notice or will it just happen?

It will be communicated once it has happened, which is probably the best way seeing as the date has switched numerous times internally.

Speaking of -

Remember how I mentioned the date would definately not slip? Guess what - it slipped. Now it looks like May 10th. Without giving specifics, I can say that this date is firm and has been publicized to companies that are making changes to their programs and processes to support the merger of the 2 programs.

It will be communicated once it has happened, which is probably the best way seeing as the date has switched numerous times internally.

Speaking of -

Remember how I mentioned the date would definately not slip? Guess what - it slipped. Now it looks like May 10th. Without giving specifics, I can say that this date is firm and has been publicized to companies that are making changes to their programs and processes to support the merger of the 2 programs.

Thanks for the heads up. Since I'm dropping from CP to nothing I am greatly impacted by the date. I have 1 possible trip coming up and want to get it in by before the change.

Can you confirm that there are no soft landings (ie. only dropping 1 level)?

Thanks for the heads up. Since I'm dropping from CP to nothing I am greatly impacted by the date. I have 1 possible trip coming up and want to get it in by before the change.

Can you confirm that there are no soft landings (ie. only dropping 1 level)?


My understanding is that there will be soft landings just like the old Dividend Miles program had. Every current elite member had their elite status from last year extended until June 30th - this is still the case. The plan is that if you qualify for a higher level once your US and HP accounts are combined, you will be upgraded, but no one gets downgraded until June 30th.

My understanding is that there will be soft landings just like the old Dividend Miles program had. Every current elite member had their elite status from last year extended until June 30th - this is still the case. The plan is that if you qualify for a higher level once your US and HP accounts are combined, you will be upgraded, but no one gets downgraded until June 30th.

Acckk, so we have to deal with the CE Trials, Old CP/CEs, and qualified CP/CE's until June 30... Upgrades are going to be fun until into the summer. Still sad that your "new" status is only for a shortened year. It is like "we really appreciate you flying both airlines and trusting us to give u a combined status this year, BUT you only get 1/2 year... thank you for flying with US"

Luckily I still have CE on HP, but my friend has qualified for GOLD on Both with 107 total segments.. and still has to wait until the combined program. They were mostly international on US, he would have flown BA or VA if he needed the miles, oh well.. fun fun fun.

Acckk, so we have to deal with the CE Trials, Old CP/CEs, and qualified CP/CE's until June 30... Upgrades are going to be fun until into the summer. Still sad that your "new" status is only for a shortened year. It is like "we really appreciate you flying both airlines and trusting us to give u a combined status this year, BUT you only get 1/2 year... thank you for flying with US"

Luckily I still have CE on HP, but my friend has qualified for GOLD on Both with 107 total segments.. and still has to wait until the combined program. They were mostly international on US, he would have flown BA or VA if he needed the miles, oh well.. fun fun fun.

I agree with your frustration. I busted my bee-hind to qualify for CP this year when I did the 32K EQM challenge between October 1st 2005 and January 31st 2006. So for everyone that didn't qualify for CP is riding on the extended CP status (is it June 30th?) at a qualified CP expense. Honestly, no offense towards those who didn't qualify, but it just devaluates the program (at least for CP's for half of the year). My $0.02

all i want is a date for when UA can earn EQMs on HP

all i want is a date for when UA can earn EQMs on HP

Is that possible?
I thought that was not possible until they combine operating certificates in 2007.

now it's 07?!?!?! Instead of US/HP giving a false date and then putting it off, they need to figure out when everything will be merged. I'm staying away from US/HP because of this. The sooner US/HP can get accepted into *A (yes I know US is there), the more $$$ I'll be happy to throw their way. I personally would love to try out HP and fly through PHX and LAS because I've heard about the two airport. I just wish they'd get everything done.

now it's 07?!?!?! Instead of US/HP giving a false date and then putting it off, they need to figure out when everything will be merged. I'm staying away from US/HP because of this. The sooner US/HP can get accepted into *A (yes I know US is there), the more $$$ I'll be happy to throw their way. I personally would love to try out HP and fly through PHX and LAS because I've heard about the two airport. I just wish they'd get everything done.

Let's wait and see. As the new program will be DM, they might have the changes in place for the airlines to get *Alliance miles on US flights operated by HP. I think it may happen earlier, since they want it to be more transparent as soon as they can. Especially as they start to launch HP flights from US hubs,etc... It would be a PR nightmare to figure this out for *Alliance members.

I really hope (and beleive) that it should be before 2007.

now there's a thread on the UA board about US breaking off ties with *A. i think that'd be a horrible idea.

I'm really hoping the integration happens sooner rather than later and the new DM program will continue to its relationship with UA. I have an upcoming trip on UA, which includes some flights on US metal, and it's frustrating that my CE status with HP will get me nowhere on all these flights -- six legs total. Instead, I'll credit the flights to my DM account, which has no status and all I will get are the EQMs.

Roy: Call up the USDM service center and ask that they place a note in your account to credit your bonus miles when the HP and US accounts merge.

I got rebooked off a cancelled US flight onto UA metal, and plugged my no-status USDM number in to get the miles. I called up the service center and asked to speak to a supervisor - I explained the situation and he said he'd put a note in my file to credit bonus miles upon account merger.

Don't know if it'll actually happen, we'll wait and see...

Anyone heard any news regarding the timetable. I am sure this is Hugh task as many IT folks have noted. I would think they are making sure all is right. As I have learn once the door is open, it a lot harder to fix some problems.
Looking forward to a my first ever AW flights in the west at the end of the month.


SCA

I called the Plat/CE line at HP FF today and the CSR said the new merged DM program is to debut May 9th. Not sure how accurate that is but I thought I'd just pass it on to the forum nonetheless.

While it will be nice to have the merged program in place, I'm not sure CE/CP's will see a whole lot of benefit until June 30 when the faux Chairman's out there will finally lose status.

Those of us that earned CP for this year feel shorted since we'll only have REAL US CP (along with *G status, etc.) for 7-8 months instead of 12. Anyone echo my concerns? Do you think US will do anything about it ... ???

Those of us that earned CP for this year feel shorted since we'll only have REAL US CP (along with *G status, etc.) for 7-8 months instead of 12. Anyone echo my concerns? Do you think US will do anything about it ... ???

I'm with you on the concern but,do you really think they care?

I'm hoping they will if we let them know it's a concern.

I'm hoping they will if we let them know it's a concern.

It's a big concern for me, but I'm not holding my breath that they're going to do anything about it.

Anybody know if they will be sending out new elite credentials prior to the May 9 date we've been hearing or will that date simply be the day that they give more details on the new program?

Anybody know if they will be sending out new elite credentials prior to the May 9 date we've been hearing or will that date simply be the day that they give more details on the new program?


Great point... I would hope they give more data soon.. and not right at the 11th hour...

But that is what usually happens, it is probably going to update /upgrade accounts and let other's know that downgrades are coming June 30. SO I see it as probably a 2 month "transition window". I guess the time is to make sure all the mistakes are fixed and accounts merged correctly... so that no one is "adversely affected" by the merger...

We all know we are. since the "old CP/CEs" are still around until Summer.

Well FWIW, I did US OLCI today for my US operated/ticketed flights tomorrow (phx-clt-ewr) and the BP says "Chairman's Preferred". It also says "HP Flight Fund Platinum" on it as well. Odd since I'm a HP CE. Oh well!

Ian

Well FWIW, I did US OLCI today for my US operated/ticketed flights tomorrow (phx-clt-ewr) and the BP says "Chairman's Preferred". It also says "HP Flight Fund Platinum" on it as well. Odd since I'm a HP CE. Oh well!

Ian

That's exactly how all of my boarding passes on US operated flights have been appearing for months now and I'm HP CE, so I don't think that's anything new.

I flew America West last Monday PIT-PHX-BUR, I gave the gate agent my USAir Card, she put it in and printed out a new boarding pass with the number. I did not get credit. I did get credit for my return flight on Friday. I called the USDM center, they said to request it under flight fund on America West and they will be combined in "late May".

I flew America West last Monday PIT-PHX-BUR, I gave the gate agent my USAir Card, she put it in and printed out a new boarding pass with the number. I did not get credit. I did get credit for my return flight on Friday. I called the USDM center, they said to request it under flight fund on America West and they will be combined in "late May".


I am still not surprised, since the merging process is going to take some time. I would not be surprised if this is a slow "merge".

I would like to start "hearing more".
One disappointing thing is the usairways merger site. It does NOT get updated. It is so ineffective now, and disappointing. Even a "What's New" section would great as it could be updated weekly. But they do not see this as an opportunity to keep the frequent flyer's attention... Oh well.

I would like to start "hearing more".
One disappointing thing is the usairways merger site. It does NOT get updated. It is so ineffective now, and disappointing. Even a "What's New" section would great as it could be updated weekly. But they do not see this as an opportunity to keep the frequent flyer's attention... Oh well.

Agreed. For a change that is supposed to take place in less than two weeks, they seem to be very short on information. So far, I have been pretty disappointed in the lack of communication by HP/US to its most frequent fliers. I too wish that they would have chosen to keep the merger website updated on a weekly or even monthly basis.

Once again, the date has slipped for the merger of the frequent flier programs. The new (final?) date is May 22. This latest date slide was not because of HP or US, but rather a vendor who was not able to meet the earlier deadline.

As far as it slipping anymore, I can tell you that we have heard that Doug Parker has told the board or directors that the merger is happening in May, and that he nor anyone else wants to go back to them with a delay beyond May.

All current Elite statuses will continue until June 30th as previously communicated regardless of the final merge date.

Oh, that's awesome. I've got several United flights booked in early May with the assumption I'd be able to get bonus miles/E+/priority boarding with my status. :td:

Jeezus, man... another month.

Does this mean that DP does not have a handle on what is happening? Are the merger cost savings at risk and the CASM going higher?

Once again, the date has slipped for the merger of the frequent flier programs. The new (final?) date is May 22. This latest date slide was not because of HP or US, but rather a vendor who was not able to meet the earlier deadline.

As far as it slipping anymore, I can tell you that we have heard that Doug Parker has told the board or directors that the merger is happening in May, and that he nor anyone else wants to go back to them with a delay beyond May.

All current Elite statuses will continue until June 30th as previously communicated regardless of the final merge date.

This is annoying, but to give US Airways there dues.. they never did publish a date... so this is the internal slippings. They are missing GREAT opportunities to open the HP side of the house to the STAR ALLIANCE... I think they would want that in place ASAP to really capitalize on the network and grow the airline.

This is annoying, but to give US Airways there dues.. they never did publish a date... so this is the internal slippings. They are missing GREAT opportunities to open the HP side of the house to the STAR ALLIANCE... I think they would want that in place ASAP to really capitalize on the network and grow the airline.

You're right on both counts. But it would be nice to make up for all this frustration (especially for those of us on the HP side who are STILL completely without * Alliance status), if when they get the programs merged our cards say "Valid through February 2008." Now THAT would go a very long way to increasing goodwill in my book. ^

You're right on both counts. But it would be nice to make up for all this frustration (especially for those of us on the HP side who are STILL completely without * Alliance status), if when they get the programs merged our cards say "Valid through February 2008." Now THAT would go a very long way to increasing goodwill in my book. ^
Agreed. ^ However, there has to be enough of us to express this in writing to US ...

This is annoying, but to give US Airways there dues.. they never did publish a date... so this is the internal slippings. They are missing GREAT opportunities to open the HP side of the house to the STAR ALLIANCE... I think they would want that in place ASAP to really capitalize on the network and grow the airline.

That's right! As an UA elite, I have been hesitant to book any HP metal flights and even HP coded, US metal flights because I would earn zero EQM and RDM on those flights. Until HP metal flights are officially recognized by *A (or no more HP metal flights when they all become US metal), I would imagine a large number of *A FFers would continue to stay away from HP flights.

LAX

You're right on both counts. But it would be nice to make up for all this frustration (especially for those of us on the HP side who are STILL completely without * Alliance status), if when they get the programs merged our cards say "Valid through February 2008." Now THAT would go a very long way to increasing goodwill in my book. ^

My assumption is that they internally merged the accounts back in Feb. They had all of the data to do so and it really is not a hard thing to do. They jsut have not implemented the change yet. From an account and status perspective, they just need to run the programs again.

In order to implement the change quickly when all pieces are in place, my guess is that the cards are printed, the envelopes are stuffed and they are just waiting for the OK to deliver to the post office. If this is the case, then all decisions have been made so a goodwill gesture would be out. Not that they would do it anyways.

I went trolling for the new USAir.com hosted on the HP servers and found a nice blast from the past. It looks like they were going to launch a new version of AmericaWest.com, but stopped working on it due to the impending merger.
http://beta.americawest.com is a nice for nostalgia sake.

It looks like they were going to launch a new version of AmericaWest.com, but stopped working on it due to the impending merger.


LOL! Someone doesn't know their HP history. :p That's what americawest.com looked like (http://web.archive.org/web/20050331090826/www.americawest.com/) just before they switched over to their current site. The merger had nothing to do with HP's web rollout plans.

For a true blast from the past try these...

HP circa 1996 (http://web.archive.org/web/19961022234050/http://americawest.com/)
HP circa 1998 (http://web.archive.org/web/19980211205246/http://www.americawest.com/)
HP circa 2000 (http://web.archive.org/web/20000817085035/http://americawest.com/)
HP circa 2001 (http://web.archive.org/web/20010301090149/http://www.americawest.com/)

LOL! Someone doesn't know their HP history. :p That's what americawest.com looked like (http://web.archive.org/web/20050331090826/www.americawest.com/) just before they switched over to their current site.

You got me on this one... I thought it looked familiar. Either way - its nice to see it still alive ;)

Try this page on for size - http://reservations.usairways.com

I miss surf and go. Used to do that a bunch back in the day.

I went trolling for the new USAir.com hosted on the HP servers and found a nice blast from the past. It looks like they were going to launch a new version of AmericaWest.com, but stopped working on it due to the impending merger.
http://beta.americawest.com is a nice for nostalgia sake.


I took a look and listed on the FF page is something that says HP won Best Elite Program 3 years in a row. I thought they only won twice? Am I incorrect or was it just wishful thinking on their part?

Jennifer

Try this page on for size - http://reservations.usairways.com

US 1997 (http://web.archive.org/web/19971210162555/http://www.usairways.com/)

It's pretty obvious that someone's reading this board... as those URLs get put up, they stop working! :D

It's pretty obvious that someone's reading this board... as those URLs get put up, they stop working! :D

Check your browser, I perused them earlier, and again just now, they all still work for me.

I have two small HP segments (part of a larger US MR) on May 11th. I was hoping to credit to UA, but because that doesn't seem to be possible, what are my other options? Can you still credit HP flights to HA?

I guess elite benefits are begining to trickle in. Even though I already have SPG from Ameniti, I received a shiny new card in the mail today with the title "Enjoy Up to 9,000 Dividend Milkes and instant SPG elite status." Basically, the offer allows me to "earn 3,000 bonus Dividen Miles for every 3 nights that you stay through July 15, 2006 (up to 9,000 bonus miles)." The offer seems targeted as it has a special url (referencing AWGold) for sign up.

I should also note that I have never earned SPG points for my stays at Starwood as I use the Divdiend Miles Rewards Network site whenever I book with Starwood. Did anyone else receive this offer?

Where this delay really poses a huge problem is with the new DM MasterCard from Juniper Bank (Barclay's).

It is branded strictly as a US Airways MasterCard, though any enthusiest realized immediately that it was technically the new HP-branded card (as BOA still issues their US card).

Everyone who signed-up for the new card got a ton of bonus miles and continues to accrue miles from spending... into their FLIGHTFUND account.

That's fine for those of you who were always US West customers... for us US East customers who have miles sitting in our DM accounts and do not have enough miles in one, single account to redeem... this delay in merging systems means that those miles are essentially held hostage.

Since US never warned cardmembers that the miles accrued from the new card would go to FF and not become part of their existing DM balances for an indefinite period, US really screwed us.

You can specify either a FlightFund or Dividend Miles number for the Juniper M/C. I have my Dividend Miles number on it.
You can transfer miles for free between FF and DM via Points.com on a 1:1 basis.

In the coming weeks, were consolidating Last Minute Specials and Weekend Specials into one new weekly e-mail called e-Saver. In the e-Saver e-mail youll get not only our lowest fares but also vacation deals, Dividend Miles updates, and mileage-earning opportunities. The new e-mail will have a slightly different look, but youll always be able to get the lowest fare right when you need it. Stay tuned!

It was suggested that we make this a 'sticky thread' as a good place to capture the latest tidbits of information related to the upcoming merger of the HP Flight Fund and US Dividend Miles programs in the new Dividend Miles.

Until we have definitive details on timing, program specifics, etc., post what you've heard here in this thread, which will be locked in position at the top of the forum.

http://www2.usairways.com/

http://www2.usairways.com/awa/content/welcome.aspx

You can specify either a FlightFund or Dividend Miles number for the Juniper M/C. I have my Dividend Miles number on it.

I was never asked. I got a letter (solicitation) in the mail with a pre-printed application that said I could also apply online (which I elected to do). By entering the offer code, my info was automatically filled-in. I had to confirm it, but it didn't ask me what number I wanted to use... it simply asked if the FF# they had on file was correct, which it was.

Wish I had been pro-actively given the choice. That's just bad Customer Service.

2. You can transfer miles for free between FF and DM via Points.com on a 1:1 basis.

You can!? That is news to me. I just checked usairwaysinfo.com and it says:

Q: I am a member of both FlightFund and Dividend Miles. Will my accounts be merged?

A: In spring 2006, the combined airlines plan to merge active membership accounts and miles earned in both airlines’ programs will be combined into a single US Airways Dividend Miles account automatically. In the meantime, continue to accrue miles in either program.

Sounds like I have to wait until the accounts are merged... which is precisely the concern I voiced... in the delay with merging accounts, my miles are held hostage.

Sounds like I have to wait until the accounts are merged... which is precisely the concern I voiced... in the delay with merging accounts, my miles are held hostage.

Just go to points.com to swap from one program into the other. Check the link below if you need further clarification.

http://www.americawest.com/awa/content/frequentflyer/redeemmiles/travelawardchart/travelawardchart.aspx

Redemption on Star Alliance airlines:

The Star Alliance™ network gives you the opportunity to redeem your miles to over 800 destinations worldwide! Redeeming your miles for travel on Star Alliance airlines is one of the many new benefits we will offer when FlightFund® merges into the new Dividend Miles® program in spring 2006.
Until then, as a special benefit to our FlightFund members, we are offering the opportunity to transfer FlightFund miles into Dividend Miles. Your miles can then be redeemed for travel on Star Alliance member airlines. To use your miles to travel on Star Alliance airlines, just sign up for a Dividend Miles account, then follow these steps:

Visit www.points.com/usairways.com and create a points.com account, if you don’t already have one. Then, transfer your miles from your FlightFund account to your Dividend Miles account - for free!.

Gee... it would be nice of US AIRWAYS would advertise this option on their site. I get that HP essentially acquired US... but, they kept the US brand, so from a customer service perspective, their emphasis should be on the US AIRWAYS branded site!

Sounds like I have to wait until the accounts are merged... which is precisely the concern I voiced... in the delay with merging accounts, my miles are held hostage.
Latest info from the beta http://www2.usairways.com/awa/content/welcome.aspx :
Are you a member of both FlightFund and Dividend Miles?
Your accounts should be merged by early June. Until then, use the frequent flyer account with the highest Preferred status and most recent activity date. Once your accounts have been successfully merged, your surviving account number will be communicated to you.

http://flightfund.idine.com now forwards over to a revised version of http://usairways.rewardsnetwork.com that matches the new website perfectly. It does look like the hotel booking with bonus miles that US offered has disappeared :( but otherwise is a nice improvement on the vintage versions of both sites ^

Below is the email I received today:

As a former member of FlightFund® Dining, you're now a member of Dividend Miles Dining. And the mileage benefits are just as sweet!

You don't have to do anything to keep earning your great mileage awards.
Your dining program status, mileage awards, registered credit/debit cards, and dining Login ID (Username) and Password that you had with FlightFund Dining all remain the same. Just keep using them to earn Dividend Miles with your meals.

Great new web site features make it even easier to earn miles.
Our new web site at usairways.rewardsnetwork.com makes it easy to search for participating locations and take advantage of special bonus opportunities. Log in now to use these "mileage-maximizing" features.

• Bonus Tab - One spot keeps you up-to-date on all the current bonus offers.
• My Favorites - Keep a list of your favorite spots just a click away. For easy setup, log in and go to the My Accounts page.
• My Addresses - Create a personalized directory to search for participating restaurants near your home, office, friend's house ... wherever you frequently visit. You'll find this nifty new feature on the My Accounts page once you log in.
• Bars & Clubs - Search by this brand-new cuisine choice to find Bars & Clubs
near you.

Well I just got off the phone with a Platinum agent and she told me May 22nd is the date that the two programs will merge. Further:

1. You will keep either your DM number or your HP number depending on your mileage level. If you have 2K miles in your DM account and 100,000 in your HP account, you will retain your HP number for good.

2. May 22nd also indicates the last day the old US site will be accessible.

3. We will eventually get new cards, but a date hasn't been announced.

4. Our "new" statuses will be announced that day as well. I asked how, and she wasn't clear but indicated most information will be sent in advance via email or that day or thereafter by logging onto your account.

I don't know if this is new info for you all, but I hope it helps. It would be nice to know I bring more value to this board other than women who enjoy my humor or attire (in the greater Austin vicinity at least), hot pockets, Indian call center complaints, jungle jet complaints, and one who has trouble with certain pronnounciations of one Seattle-based airline ^

Ian

Well I just got off the phone with a Platinum agent and she told me May 22nd is the date that the two programs will merge.
I know the horse is dead on this one, but did the agent indicate that that will also be the date the miles flown on HP (er, US) equipment, can be credited to UA?

Thanks.

I know the horse is dead on this one, but did the agent indicate that that will also be the date the miles flown on HP (er, US) equipment, can be credited to UA?

Thanks.


Sorry, but I didn't get the chance or perhaps time to enquire. She was too busy telling me they are holding "X" amount of seats on my return iah-phx flight next Friday as to why my upgrade didn't clear :rolleyes:

Well I just got off the phone with a Platinum agent and she told me May 22nd is the date that the two programs will merge. Further:

I can confirm that that is the correct 'target' date for the programs to be merged and the new website to launch.

I can confirm that that is the correct 'target' date for the programs to be merged and the new website to launch.


If you look at the video, the magazine, etc.. it is all assuming that FlightFund already disappeared. Another thing, I actually like my US number 7 digits better than my long HP number.... but since I am CE on HP and Gold on US.. I guess I keep my HP number.. oh well...

I wonder if Agents will treat people differently since they can tell where you came from (legacy US vs legacy HP). Just more "strange" stuff to worry about.. I wish the numbers would all be similiar since we can get away from "our elites" vs "their elites" which I hear when flying US east.

If you look at the video, the magazine, etc.. it is all assuming that FlightFund already disappeared. Another thing, I actually like my US number 7 digits better than my long HP number.... but since I am CE on HP and Gold on US.. I guess I keep my HP number.. oh well...

I wonder if Agents will treat people differently since they can tell where you came from (legacy US vs legacy HP). Just more "strange" stuff to worry about.. I wish the numbers would all be similiar since we can get away from "our elites" vs "their elites" which I hear when flying US east.

I'm pleasantly surprised we'll be able to keep our FlightFund Numbers -- since they already made me get a separate US DM number just to renew club membership.

With HP-legacy numbers, still getting treated like a step-child by US East agents is a concern -- but that seems to be less of a problem now than last Fall (well most everywhere except in PHL :( ). But I like the fact that my HP number goes back so far it starts off with all zeros -- so it will be great to keep it. :D

My FlightFund Numbers starts will all zero's as well. Makes me feel old!

I remember reading (here) that old status will be good through June 30th, so it seems like there will be little bit of a grace period here. I wouldn't mind a bit if this were not true. I made chairmans the old fashioned way in 2005 and would prefer to have less competition for those upgrades.

I had gold status on US last year, didn't fly them because of all the service issues involved with them, but have enjoyed the renewed service levels this year with the HP/US merger, however after 6/30, if it is a choice of getting boarding zone 5 on US, or an A boarding pass on WN, I'll opt for the later, since most of my travel is on the former HP network, and I can't afford to have to gate check a bag, etc. because I have to board in the last group. I think this merger is great, and the six month grace period has been super as well, but in the end for the business traveler it all comes down to how fast you can get on a plane and convenience, and zone 5 doesn't cut it. I'll keep plugging away on US until then, but after 6/30 it may be back to WN for me.

Actually, I'd rather keep my HP number. It'll be like keeping a piece of America West alive.

Received via email today. The embedded links were all personalized, but go to http://myusairways.com Unfortunately, this website just forwards to AmericaWest.com right now. Google search of the site yeilded nothing. I would venture to say that this will be the new DM website like the My United Mileage Plus website.

Excerpts below:

FightFund News
Get ready for the new Dividend Miles and usairways.com
The new Dividend Miles program is almost here, so get ready for a new world of benefits! During the first weeks of this transition, you may encounter times when particular services and account information are not available. We're working hard to make the transition as seamless as possible, and we appreciate your patience as we combine FlightFund and Dividend Miles to create the new Dividend Miles program.

The new usairways.com will also be launching very soon, and when it does, lots of new features will be just a click away. If you do not already have an americawest.com profile, we encourage you to create one today! When the new site launches, your profile information will be automatically transferred to the new usairways.com. This new, secure profile will keep your travel preferences, Dividend Miles number (former FlightFund number), account activity, e-mail preferences, credit card you use for booking travel, and more all in one place, making your experience with US more convenient and personalized.

Create your user profile! (http://www.americawest.com/awa/profiles/EnterProfileInfo.aspx) Please note this was a personalized link, that forwarded to www.americawest.com/awa/profiles/EnterProfileInfo.aspx

Club News - May 2006
T-Mobile® wireless Internet service is now available at the Los Angeles US Airways Club®! For a complete listing of all Clubs with T-Mobile wireless Internet access, please visit usairways.com/club (http://usairways.com/club)

The rest of the email was the standard gobbledigook...

These vague e-mails telling us to "get ready for the new Dividend Miles", but not actually telling us anything substantive are beginning to get tedious. It seems like, with less than a week to go, they would know whether or not the May 22 date that has been floating around here was real or not. If it is, it seems like they would want to communicate something to their best customers. But alas, communication to Preferreds/Elites does not seem to be a strong suit of the "new Dividend Miles".

These vague e-mails telling us to "get ready for the new Dividend Miles", but not actually telling us anything substantive are beginning to get tedious. . .

I agree. After eight months of this, it has become annoying.

I went to check my balance on Points.com and they are putting a hold on all transactions with FF and DM until like noon ET on the 23rd...that tells me that they are going to finalize the club merger on the 22nd as rumored

I went to check my balance on Points.com and they are putting a hold on all transactions with FF and DM until like noon ET on the 23rd...that tells me that they are going to finalize the club merger on the 22nd as rumored

I transfered 12,500 miles from DM->FF for an award ticket LAS-YYZ to connect to my AZ YYZ-LCA flights. 12.5 k miles disappeared from DM, but have not yet appeared on HP and over 6 hours have elapsed. I called HP as my award ticket reservation was due to expire; they went ahead and exteneded it until the 22nd to allow for the points.com transfer to complete. They also properly noted my account should these miles end up in lala land.

They are anticipating overtime for their folks this weekend when the change occurs. A nice bonus of US compared to UA is that FF/DM is open 24/7. Additionally, from what was explained to me, on the 22nd both US East/West DM folk will have reciprocal access into each others vintage systems for award accrual and redemption. Accounts will be combined starting at this point in time, but the agent could not commit as to which account number would survive. It was recommended that existing HP award reservations continue to call HP and vice-versa for existing US award reservations until all the wrinkles are fully ironed out.

On a seperate note, the US Chairman's Desk representative I spoke to tonight confirmed that US Platinum members will also have access to the Chairman's Desk hotline.

Overall, the May 22nd deadline is firm from what I can tell. In order to appease the greneral traveling public (or at least those on FT) US just needs to finally come out and say what we will experience come this weekend! Hopefully they put out a more comprehensive FAQ than what is presently available - an interactive demo in Flash with point and click, similar towhat they previously did on the HP site (http://www.americawest.com/awa/content/frequentflyer/redeemmiles/travelawardchart/awardmap.aspx) would look real nice.

Overall, the May 22nd deadline is firm from what I can tell.
I realize this question has gotten tedious, but if May 22 is the firm deadline, does that finally mean that flights operated by HP (with HP flight numbers) can be credited to UA?

Does it stand to reason that even though it is HP equipment (and flight numbers), that it will be considered US on May 22?

On a seperate note, the US Chairman's Desk representative I spoke to tonight confirmed that US Platinum members will also have access to the Chairman's Desk hotline.

If true, this will benefit me personally but I'm a bit surprised. In my view, the CP desk is the major competitive advantage, and should be reserved for the airlines' best customers (of which I am no longer a member).

My assistant booked me (this week) on flights next week from HPN-PHL-DFW-PHL-HPN and supplied only my DM number (which doesn't show any preferred status when I look online).

I called to associate my FF number with my reservation so that I'd be in the upgrade queue and was, politely, I might add, that I was already in the upgrade queue! I found this pretty amusing, since I hadn't given them my FF number.

So, my existing DM number has the same status my FF number...weird.

In case anyone else has mileage transfers held hostage by points.com until May 22, my 12.5k US->HP transfer completed today. Hopefully I never have to miles around between programs ever again.

At the top middle of the screen:
[quote]
Due to scheduled website maintenance, award reservations and user profiles are unavailable from 10 p.m. PDT 5/19 through the morning of 5/21.

To make an award reservation, call our FlightFund Service Center at 800-247-5691.

Thanks for the www2.usairways.com link.

I took a quick look and here are my thoughts:

1 - it seems fair for domestic awards - less than 2 week booking charges, no date/time change fees for HP/US flights (I was afraid they might pull a DL on us)

2 - 1 stopover or 1 open jaw is allowed at HUB AIRPORTS (PHX, LAS, CLT, PHL, FLL, PIT). It does not seem to require additional 5,000 miles as before. I personally would have liked the stopover to be at any airport (so something like PHX-LGA-BOS-PHX would be valid) but it is not so bad, I guess.

3 - no blackout for elites - I am still confused about that. Do they allocate the inventory on the flights and just not allow non-elites from booking? Or, they don't have the inventory at all (in that case, how can elites book) - I ran into this problem with HP and could never got a straigh answer?

4 - no 15,000 mile awards - not a surprise. I hope they run specials like what UA is doing for 2006 (and probably exclude Shuttle flights)

2 - 1 stopover or 1 open jaw is allowed at HUB AIRPORTS (PHX, LAS, CLT, PHL, FLL, PIT). It does not seem to require additional 5,000 miles as before. I personally would have liked the stopover to be at any airport (so something like PHX-LGA-BOS-PHX would be valid) but it is not so bad, I guess.


If they allow an open jaw then PHX-LGA/BOS-PHX would be fine. You'd have to get from LGA to BOS on your own but the two long-haul segments could be booked in the same reservation.

Yes, PHX-BOS/ARNK/NYC-PHX would be doable on HPUS. It just seems to be not as good as other carriers.

This trip is doable on Delta in one award. Of course, DL charges for date/time changes and 25K awards are very hard to get. I think UA and AA also do not require stopovers to be at hub cities. So, this will also be doable on AA who has NYC-BOS services.

I guess no one is perfect :-)